The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located inside the neck and is responsible for controlling the metabolic actions and other important functions inside our body. But in some severe cases when it does not function properly, it is advised that thyroid removal should be done. The thyroid removal is done generally by surgery which includes either removing the gland partially or fully taking out the gland.

The various causes which are responsible for thyroid removal are:
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) :
The thyroid removal in this case is done when the medications fail to show their impact.
Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid)
The gland in this case is removed because of the fact that the enlargement continues and can cause breathing problems.
Thyroid cancer:
In the case of the thyroid cancer the cysts tend to develop and thus to stop the cancer from further spreading the thyroid removal is the only option.
Nodules formed which are non cancerous:
Although the thyroid nodules are not cancerous in nature but they cause problems like difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

Apart from all the above stated problems, the thyroid removal is also done when one is not able to stand the various thyroid medications. But before, the surgery is carried out for removal, the thyroid biopsy is done to know the cause and only then the removal is done and involves the testing of the sample tissue for thyroid. Various other steps are also taken by the physician prior to carrying out surgery for thyroid removal. They are as follows:

• By doing a thorough examination and carrying out required tests as these update the doctor about the type of problem the victim has.
• By carrying out X-rays and other tests which are important as they tell about the patient’s allergy to a particular thing or component

For the thyroid removal, the surgery involved is known as the Thyroidectomy. It involves either removing the part of the gland or the removal of the entire gland. It is classified into two categories:

• Total Thyroidectomy – this involves the removal of the entire gland.
• Subtotal or partial Thyroidectomy – it involves partial removal of the gland i.e. only a part of the gland is removed.

• Excessive bleeding
• Obstruction to the breathing path
• Loss of speaking ability either temporarily or permanently
• Injury may be caused to the parathyroid gland.
• The calcium level in the blood becomes insufficient.

The recovery to the thyroid removal is although not a very tedious task and takes place easily and is fast. The normal day activities can be easily resumed within one to two weeks of the surgery. In cases where condition is extreme the hormone replacement therapy is continued. If the case is for thyroid cancer then in that case, radioactive iodine is given in order to completely ensure those cancerous cells are treated.